Balmoral
release date
Spring 20245
Directed by
Harry Knight
synopsis
As historic ships vanish from British waters, a group of passionate volunteers fights to save the Balmoral—a 1949 passenger vessel moored in Bristol’s iconic harbour—battling time, bureaucracy, and financial struggles to preserve a piece of maritime history before it’s lost forever.
PRODUCED BY
Maria Webb
Director statement
My granddad worked on ships, sailing across the Atlantic in all kinds of weather, transporting all kinds of cargo. It was also on a ship that he immigrated to New Zealand with his family, my family. Fast forward, and here I am—making my way back to the UK, where I’ve lived for the past ten years, primarily making films. For seven of those years, I’ve been in Bristol, enjoying the harbourside and everything it has to offer, like so many others.
On my way to work, I would regularly walk past the Balmoral, moored outside the M Shed. Its presence intrigued me—this unique vessel with no equal in the harbour. I began to wonder about its history and story. Then, to my surprise, the ship disappeared. Taking it as a sign, I reached out to the MV Balmoral Fund, the charity dedicated to preserving her. What was meant to be a short, one-day documentary turned into months of filming as I followed the volunteers working in dry dock, carrying out essential maintenance.
During this time, I had the privilege of meeting the dedicated helpers, hearing their stories, learning about their connection to the ship, and witnessing their determination to see her sail again. I also began to see both the Balmoral and the people fighting for her with a new perspective—one that I’ve tried to capture in this film.
I hope you enjoy watching it as much as I enjoyed making it.
Harry x
